ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orlando police have spent a lot of time and effort trying to make a select group of apartment complexes crime-free, but the measures couldn't stop a violent robbery that left one man shot.
Police told Channel 9's Q McCray the shooting happened overnight at the Metro Place apartment complex on Kirkman and Raleigh streets.
Police said the shooting was a random act of violence in a complex that has a hired security detail patrolling the area.
The shooting happened about 10:30 p.m. Minutes later, the complex was crawling with Orlando police officers and crime scene techs.
Investigators said a man was attacked in a parking lot. During a scuffle for cash, the gunman shot the victim and ran off, police said.
“Lord have mercy,” said tenant Mary Reed. “I don't know what else to say.”
“It's crazy to think things like this are happening around here, where you live at,” said tenant Michael Williams.
The apartment complex borders Metrowest, where shootings and burglaries happen often. Things were so bad that former police chief Val Demings and city leaders were forced to intervene last year with a special initiative.
The complex is a part of OPD's Crime-Free Multi Housing program. To get that seal of approval, complexes have to meet several criteria, including a safe entryway, security cameras, great lighting and making sure the hedges are cut below the window line.
It also calls for tenants with criminal records to be evicted, and about 50 people were forced out.
WFTV requested the latest crime stats for the Metro Place, and there seems to have been progress made.
There were 556 calls for service during the last six months of 2011. In 2012 to date, there have been 338 calls.